Tainted Cocaine Causes 42 Cases of Neutropenia in Alberta and B.C.

The majority of North American cocaine is now spiked with levamisole, which can cause a dangerous or fatal blood disorder called neutropenia. Public health officials in Canada who are monitoring the situation say that over 15 months, 42 people in 2 provinces contracted the condition from tainted cocaine.

Canadian researchers say that cocaine tainted with
levamisole caused 42 cases of neutropenia in Alberta
and British Columbia
between Jan 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009.

The researchers began monitoring the situation at the urging
of Canadian public health officials, as cocaine tainted with levamisole became
more prevalent (now a majority of North American cocaine is so tainted).

Levamisole

South American drug dealers are cutting cocaine with
levamisole, a veterinary anti-parasite medication more properly intended for a bovine
clientele.

Levamisole is not approved for use in humans, but some
research indicates that it can increase the potency of a cocaine high through
interactions with the neurotransmitter dopamine. Problematically, although levamisole
tainted cocaine may help users get a little higher, it also puts their lives at
risk.

Neutropenia

Consuming levamisole can cause neutropenia, a blood disorder
that results in very low levels of white blood cells. People with neutropenia
are left with very little immune function and are very vulnerable to bacterial
infections, which can be fatal.

The American Drug Enforcement Agency reports that 70% of
cocaine samples seized nationwide in July contained levamisole as an additive.

Helpful Reading:

Here are 4 excellent reasons to avoid cocaine use while on Suboxone/methadone: cocaine reduces the effectiveness of Suboxone or methadone (which means more opiate withdrawals), increased risk of overdose, poly-drug addiction and resumption of a drug seeking lifestyle.